1983 RES NO 4346 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing Element -3- introduction (Cont d) With respect to the improvement of housing, the revised HEGs recognize that the preservation of existing housing and neighborhoods is a high statewide priority, and require localities to describe how they are observing this priority (Section 6452). The revised Guidelines also emphasize the importance of preserving housing affordability at the same time housing condition is being improved or maintained (Section 6454) . In -keeping with -the statutory requirement concerning provisions of adequate sites, the revised HEGs require localities to develop standards and plans to provide suitable locations which can collectively accommodatE a range of housing wide enough to serve all economic segments of the community (Section 6456). Such planning must assure that local land use controls and the local infrastructure of services and facilities are compatible with this objective (Section 6456(b). Finally, the revised Guidelines establish criteria for measuring the adequacy of local provision for identified needs (Section 6460). The revised Guidelines indicate that if a locality is to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community, it must, through its housing element, make a good faith, diligent effort to provide opportunities for, and facilitate the maintenance, improvement and development of, an appropriate variety and choice of housing consister with its identified need and fair share responsibilities. In developing their housing program, localities are to look not only at the available federal and state housing programs, but also at the local use of those public powers which effect housing. It is important to note, however, that although a housing program is a necessary component of a local housing element, the revised Guidelines are at no point program specific. The effect of this legislation is to require that cities and counties develop formal strategies which, when conscientiously implemented, will lead their communities toward resolution of identified housing problems. Currently a debate exists in the State regarding the legislative intent of the Housing Element Guidelines, as to whether they are mandatory or advisory. To date there is no published court opinion which establishes the guidelines to be either mandatory or advisory. The City of Colton is interpreting the State adopted guidelines as advisory in nature and therefore not intended to be mandatory, as this authorization could mandate City taxpayers to support costly housing programs for which funding is not available. Nevertheless, consistent with the guidelinesr, the City intends to do its fair share toward meeting its responsibility. As a general guide to the development of an element and to carry out a coordinated, mutually supporting housing program aimed at the needs of a regional housing market, the following broad goals have been identified